QuestionQUESTION: Can you comment on adding P275/55/20 tires to a Chevy Suburban? Are there any safety issues to consider? What are the down sides to this size compared to the standard 17?
thank you
ANSWER: Tom,
There are several versions of Chevy Suburbans and it is important that the load carrying capacity of the tire be adequate for the vehicle and its intended service. The easy way to check is to look at the vehicle's placard which lists the original tire size and pressure for that size. The load carrying capacity of that tire should be equal to or greater than any tire that is subsequently applied to that vehicle.
I'm going to assume that there is enough capacity and only discuss the change in size.
Typically lower profile tires are more responsive, meaning they react to steering input more quickly. The quicker this happens, the more likely the vehicle is to tip over.
Typically, lower profile tires have a stiffer, less comfortable ride.
Typically, lower profile tire have higher speed ratings (and this makes them less likely to fail), less wear resistant, less chip and chunk resistant, less fuel economy, less snow traction, more prone to hydroplaning, but better in wet conditions where hydroplaning is not a factor.
I hope that helps.
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QUESTION: Thanks Barry for the input. Doing a bit more research I've also noted that flat spots are common with these types of tires and that they won't last as long as conventional types. And even some very light off road driving can result in tire damage. Would you agree?
AnswerTom,
I wouldn't say flat spotting is common with low profile tires, but I will say that these types of tires are more likely to have temporary flat spotting issues. They are also going to be more sensitive to alignment related wear issues - and "flat spots" and "cupping" is sometimes used to describe what is more correctly called "irregular wear".
These tires generally have higher speed ratings and strictly paved streets is what they are designed for.
